Parent Partnership Board and SIP partnership report progress on caregiver engagement and toolkit

Delaney Sullivan, a member of the Parent Partnership Board, briefed commissioners on recent activities and outreach: new member additions, a legislative breakfast at the Capitol, conference presentations and efforts to embed parental voice into agency work groups, RFP reviews and policy planning. Sullivan emphasized using lived experience to inform policy and requested continued opportunities for parent representation in advisory work.

Separately, Natalie Dixon of the Office of University Evaluation (OUE) presented evaluation results for the Children of Incarcerated Parents SIP partnership. Using the Partnership Effectiveness Continuum, the evaluation showed gains between baseline (year 1) and year 2 across six dimensions — most notably a 25% increase in joint ownership and accountability for results and improved use of data and benchmarks. The partnership developed a strategic plan and a public toolkit for caregivers that staff described as a practical product for local partners and caregivers. OUE recommended expanding measurable benchmarks, rotating meeting locations to support participation, and building additional caregiver‑focused collaborative events.

Commissioners thanked board members for their engagement and encouraged continued partner involvement and data collection to support expansion of caregiver voice in program design.